Aman Singh

V3 Ventures Deal Announcement: Creme Castle - A tech first driven assembly line bakery for Bharat! 🔥 While I was evaluating this file, a lot of people said - bakery? There are 100s of home bakers. How is this scalable? I would have agreed, until I met Pranjay Mittal, who brought innovation from IIT-D, FMS and CarDekho Group to his mom’s humble bakery in Noida. You might remember their Shark Tank episode where his mom famously said, “Main neend mein baking kar sakti hu” 😊 That passion is exactly what we want in founders! From a small bakery in Noida to now clocking monthly sales of over 1 Cr, Creme Castle is disrupting the $12.6 billion Indian bakery industry. 🎂 Here is why we invested… ✅Changing consumer behavior from mithai → cakes & desserts India is a land of festivals and no festival is complete without mithai. However, cakes & desserts are now taking center stage in these celebrations. as the Gen Z takes over. We all know India is trading up. So, there's a growing demand for Tiramisu in Tier 2 and 3. But, we’re lacking a player. ✅The Assembly Line Model: And, we need a player that’s standardized. The biggest problem with F&B is that when you order from the 2nd and 3rd outlet - the product isn’t as good. This is the most unique part of Creme Castle. Cakes are made in 3 components in a central kitchen - base (sponge), icing and customization. At spoke kitchen it’s only about putting these parts together - thus ensuring quality! ✅This industry is regionalized and heavily fragmented: Think about it, growing up, we all had cakes from our favorite local bakery. Every city has one, but when we moved for college or work - it wasn’t there. Cakes have a nostalgia factor associated with it and so making this change is hard. With all of this Creme Castle is can offer something India hasn’t seen before: - 100% customized cakes in just 2 hours - World's highest # of flavor profiles to choose from They have >10 Lakh loyal customers with a 60% repeat rate and we’re all geared up to expand from NCR to Jaipur and Chandigarh! We’re excited to back the mother-son duo of Veena and Pranjay to disrupt India’s cake market 🎂 What’s do you order cake? PS: Delhi-NCR folks, give us a try. Even available on Blinkit! #india #investment #startup #investor #entrepreneur

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Thanks Bismah and Inc42 Media for the insightful coverage and deep dive into the vital role of operator VCs! Bismah's thoughtful analysis underscores the growing need for operator VCs in today's startup landscape. As an operator VC , I've witnessed firsthand how founders increasingly value more than just capital. They seek partners who bring operational expertise, strategic guidance, and an extensive network to the table. These elements are crucial for driving sustainable growth and navigating the complexities of scaling a business. At GrowthCap Ventures , we understand the unique challenges faced by early-stage startups, which is why we prioritize offering not just funding, but also hands-on support and access to our extensive network. Together, we're empowering founders to realize their vision and build transformative businesses. #OperatorVC #StartupEcosystem #Gratitude

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Recently read a very interesting post by Balaji BK about how he’s frustrated with the Indian VC ecosystem. While I completely agree with you, I think you should chat with us. We have a different and new strategy at All In Capital. Best in class or not we don't know but we are surely doing our best to achieve that. 1) We back way more companies than a traditional VC would back (20-25) - It allows us to back non-obvious founders and newer technologies. 2) Our Value add is very well defined our expertise lies in backing non-obvious founders who are not ready for tier 1 VC and preparing them for that. Our 100+ founders would vouch for that. 3) Yes we are a bit conservative but very open to backing new technologies - our portfolio includes a space tech company - PierSight Space, @Piiko.io - Helping improve diagnosis with a deep tech revolutionary device and many more. 4) We have this thesis of obvious and non-obvious founders and we don't back companies alongside tier 1 VCs but before them. Many of our founders are not from tier-1 colleges. Our strategy does get pushback at times but we continue to try and disrupt the pre seed VC market in India.

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Merak MeetStreet is coming to Gurgaon! 🚀 I'm thrilled to be hosting the 5th edition of Merak MeetStreet, happening in Gurgaon on Thursday 17th October 2024. Our MeetStreet gatherings have become something I truly look forward to. There's something magical about sitting down with a small group of passionate early-stage entrepreneurs, diving deep into their journeys & exploring how we can support their visions. The raw energy, innovative ideas & collaborative spirit never fail to inspire me. ✨ Over the past few editions, I've had the privilege of meeting some exceptional young founders & the learnings have been tremendous (Perhaps a separate post on these insights). If you're an early-stage B2B Tech founder in Gurgaon, here's your chance to: ✅ Share your story & the unique challenges you're tackling ✅ Connect with the Merak Ventures team in an informal setting ✅ Network with other fellow entrepreneurs ✅ Explore potential support beyond just funding If you're early stage, we want to hear from you & we'd love to host you at MeetStreet. Ready to join us? Registration link in the comments below. 🔗 #MerakMeetStreet #Gurgaon #B2B #Tech #Startups #India #GurgaonStartups #Entrepreneur #Investment #Venture #MerakVentures #Technology #Founders

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🚀 Breaking Ground with VC Grid: India's Venture Odyssey! 🚀 Thrilled to unveil VC Grid, a paradigm shift in venture syndication crafted exclusively for the visionary minds of family offices & UHNIs. With a formidable war chest of Rs 900 crore, VC Grid embarks on a mission to empower 100-120 startups over the next triennium, spanning diverse realms from agritech to financial frontiers, seeding each venture with an infusion ranging from INR 4-16 crore. Powered by the backing of esteemed Indian family offices, entrepreneurs, and UHNIs, VC Grid's helm is steered by Vansh Oberoi, a dynamic VC professional in early-stage investments with an illustrious six-year journey at Venture Catalysts alongside Sidhi Dalmia, former Goldman Sachs executive, captaining our venture towards new horizons. Already carving its mark, VC Grid has infused INR 40 crore into five trailblazing ventures, catalyzing an unprecedented INR 100 crore in follow-on funding. Notable among these are Autocracy Machinery Pvt Ltd, KisanKonnect Safe Foods and Ideal Insurance. But VC Grid isn't just about capital infusion; it's a beacon of collaborative innovation, fostering a nexus of expertise and domestic capital. Our mandate? Backing ventures grounded in research, profitability, and ESG principles, with an eye on delivering over 30% IRR. Join us on this exhilarating venture odyssey as we redefine the contours of India's startup landscape, one disruptive idea at a time! Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC, 9Unicorns, Anuj Golecha, Anil G Jain, Gaurav Jain, Vansh Oberoi, Sidhi Dalmia, Shreeyesh Chandgothia #VentureCatalysts #AngelInvestor #VC #IndianStartups #StartupFunding #SyndicateFund #FamilyOffices #IndianStartups #ESGInvesting https://lnkd.in/de65Wk9p

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🎙️ The First Episode of Venture Vibes is here! 🎙️ Excited to share my conversation with Amay Solanki as we deep dive into how leading Indian startups have navigated changing consumer trends. 🔊 Tune in for the full breakdown on how these startups transformed challenges into opportunities in a post-COVID world! ⚡ Bonus: I’ll be sharing cuts of the episode soon for quick, digestible learnings. 🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dhB52eya (Chapters available for easy viewing) 🎯 Stay tuned for the next episode—we're diving into the big question: What game-changing opportunities lie ahead for the next decade? #VentureVibes #StartupStories #ConsumerTrends #COVID #Zomato #Nykaa #Purplle #Mamaearth #BiryaniByKilo #VentureCapital #IndianStartups #Innovation #Podcast #ISB

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Had an amazing conversation with Amrth Shenava of Flashmates  on Business Podcast by Roohi- a while back That episode is now finally live on YouTube My key takeaways: 1. Podcasting = exponential grow your network, and audience 2. Media adds distribution 3. Network effects matters a lot  4.IRL connections are really important Link to watch the episode below 

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my understanding of SaaS space is limited so when i decided to diversify my investment portfolio (outside consumer & ed-tech) two years back, i decided to hunt for experts in this area with whom i could co-invest by joining there syndicate> did two deals *Treinta ~ with Sriram K. *Fleek~ with Vaibhav Domkundwar glad to share my gut-feel was absolutely right as i today got the updates on investment via AngelList <cannot disclose exact # but growth is amazing> This goes on to prove, one should trust the experts instead of going solo in areas beyond your core domain expertise 🙂 Man Hei Lou Lluís Cañadell Aditya Uttaravalli #angelinvestment #startups #founders #india #multiple #exit #syndicate

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Kem Cho? Surat🔥: The highly anticipated 21by72 Startup Summit is making its return. Save the dates of June 15th and 16th packed with Innovation + Entrepreneurship + Opportunities! 🔹️What to Expect? : ▪️Presence of 100 of VCs, 30+ angel networks ▪️125 + startups showcasing stellar ideas ▪️100+ Speaker Sessions ▪️20+ Trailblazers Mine Pitches ▪️15+ Panel Discussions ▪️100+ Startup Stalls 🔹️Why Surat? ▪️Boasts a thriving SaaS sector ▪️Has rapidly growing startup ecosystem ▪️Proximity to major business hubs like Ahmedabad and Mumbai So guys,  Whether you're a Startup Founder looking to pitch your idea              Or   an Investor seeking the next big opportunity               Or     an Industry Expert keen on shaping the future of business in India,         …..This event is not to be missed. Onwards and upwards🔥!! P.S: We at IVY Growth Associates , are honoured to organize this amazing event. #startups #surat #21by72 #founders #events

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V3 Ventures Deal Announcement: We just doubled down on Go Zero. Here’s the scoop on why: 1) The Market: When I said it the first time people said, “where’s the TAM (addressable market) for low cal zero sugar. The reality -  India is the “Diabetes Capital of the World”, with 140 million diabetics, 17% of the global population. This is totally relevant for these consumers. To add to this, the healthy population is growing and people are reading labels (credit to my friend Revant Himatsingka). I myself have been on a sugar-free for 5 But, even I crave something sweet now and then. And my go to is always - ice cream 🍦 2) Founder: There is energy and then there’s Kiran Shah! He hails from a family legacy of 50+ years in ice cream and invented one of India’s most famous ice cream innovations - the guava chilli flavor. Like me, he wanted to take his family legacy forward in a new way. Yes, maybe I’m biased to founders like him because they have a massive right to win! 3) Growth: I don’t say it often enough but, they’ve exceeded all expectations! 🍨 Grown >10x as a business  🍨 Expanded to 16 cities, 🍨 Grown 7X on quick commerce. 4) Product: In food, taste trumps everything. Over everything I absolutely love the product and so do most people who I make try it. And, the company has launched some of the most interesting flavors - from chocobar and nostalgic mango duets to a jamun sriracha pop! I remember negotiating the termsheet with Kiran the day after Aisha was born. Like her, we’ve come a long way since then :) Honored to re-invest with our partners DSG Consumer Partners and Saama. Let’s take this to the 🌙 PS - if you haven’t already - try my favorite flavor Mad Over Mango 🥭 . Available across Swiggy Zomato Zepto Blinkit and Instamart #GoZero #india #growth #fundraising

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A few VCs with large seed cheques often view 'Capital' as a moat. And for good or bad, in many cases it does play out that way. In any large market, there are multiple high caliber founders trying to solve similar problems - some in different while some in similar ways. In such a scenario, the team that gets early access to larger capital has a natural advantage to strengthen and build a real moat. A founder from our portfolio company nicely put it- he can't afford to be the only rationale player in an irrational market.

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This was one of my most relaxed and enjoyable interviews, thanks Shrishti Sahu for making it so. We dive into multiple topics that have shaped my career and helped create value for many others too along the way. If you do have time to spare, do watch! #indiaopportunitypodcast

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Just wrapped up a podcast with Jacob Singh on Business Podcast by Roohi During the podcast we talked about: 1. How the Opportunity to join Blinkit materialized 2. Early Days of Blinkit 3. Learnings from VC space 4. Gatekeeping in VC Thanks for the time and feedback Jacob!

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🚀 Swiggy Set to Make Waves with ₹11,300 Crore IPO: Key Details and Market Implications 🌐 Swiggy, India's food delivery giant, is set to go public with an IPO launching on November 6, 2024, aiming to raise around ₹11,327 crore (~$1.35B). Shares will be priced at ₹371-₹390 each (around $4.64), with trading expected to start on November 13, 2024. IPO Highlights: Price Range: ₹371-₹390 per share Funds Allocation: Expanding logistics and quick commerce operations This IPO is launching amidst rising tech-driven competition in India’s market. By securing capital, Swiggy plans to advance its quick commerce capabilities, aiming to gain a strategic edge over competitors like Zomato. Market Impact: Swiggy’s IPO offers a unique investment opportunity with strong growth potential, balancing between established dominance in food delivery and quick commerce expansion. Investor Insight: With a grey market premium around ₹25, sentiment is optimistic. As Swiggy steps into the public sphere, it's poised to redefine India's fast-paced delivery ecosystem. #IPO #SwiggyIPO #Investment https://lnkd.in/eyHRRPXh

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🍷 Sula Vineyards: Seed to IPO (a 4000 Crore Company) | Ep12: The India Opportunity Podcast ft Chaitanya Rathi, Partner at Sharrp Ventures | Harsh Mariwala Investment Office 🍷 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gE-ZHDCz We talk about: > Early experiences in alco-bev space in Scotland led to Chaitanya finding his way to Sula Vineyards > Saw it as a seed stage company, and was instrumental in launching Wine Tourism in India to make Sula - the world's most visited vineyard in the world! > How during COVID, Sula hit ZERO revenues (very close to its IPO) and how the team improved the company's financial metrics through the period > What it takes to become an IPO-able company - The process, the mindset and the preparation - it literally takes a village > Evaluation for investment criteria both as an angel and a fund manager > Leverage Edu's remarkable turnaround during the pandemic, we talk about Akshay Chaturvedi's journey > Lessons from investing in legendary consumer brands in India such as Veeba, epigamia, Woodsmen Mountain Whiskey and themes he's interested in > The evolution of the consumer landscape in India both from a market expansion and funding perspective > How being an operator helps CR be a better investor and partner to portfolio companies What a gold mine of an episode! Deep and rich insights from the consumer sector from someone who has not only invested but also built iconic companies. Must listen for founders. #consumer #D2C #sula #investing #publicmarkets #angelinvestors #alcobev

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Stats here speak the story. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani has truly provided a great launchpad for entrepreneurs. I can say this with pride because I have had my skin-in-game. BITSian entrepreneurs find support from brilliant peers and alumni - many of who interestingly end up choosing to work in sectors hardly related to their academic pursuits, and yet more often than not, stir their respective domains along the way to make for an unforgettable story! #ProudToBeBITSian

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It was truly a wonderful experience chatting with Shrishti Sahu, Managing Partner of Swadharma Source Ventures - SSV, on the SenseAI Ventures podcast show! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, delving into her first-hand experiences in private investing. Shrishti stands out as one of the most promising young tech investors in the ecosystem, and her insights were both inspiring and enlightening. If you haven't already, check out the full episode where we explore more about her journey and investing perspectives!

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We recently brought together our Merak Ventures & growX Ventures portfolio founders for an evening of connection & inspiration in Bangalore. It was amazing to finally meet some of them in person. A quick summary of the evening - rich conversations, real stories & palpable passion to build (and scale) something new. Feels good to have front row seats to witnessing these innovators as they create game-changing technologies. A huge thank you to our Founders for making it a special evening, I'm excited to see what's next for our portfolio companies as they continue to innovate & make their mark! #Bangalore #VentureCapital #Investments #Founders #LIPostingChallengeIndia

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🔥 Insights Alert - Building in SaaS and Gen AI 🔥 Last week, we had an incredible session on "What to build in SaaS and AI?" featuring Pranay Desai from Z47 (fka Matrix Partners India). Over 60 minutes, we explored key questions for founders building in these spaces. 💡 We dove into mental models and frameworks for thinking through: 📍️ Where to Compete: Is the rise of Generative AI the end of SaaS? What opportunities are opening up in the SaaS space due to generative AI? How should founders think about their target markets - geographies (US vs India), customer segments (mid market vs. enterprise), offerings (horizontal vs. vertical specific)? 💪 How to Compete: Do Indian startups have a structural advantage to win globally in the SaaS marketplace? What does it take for a founding team starting up in SaaS to succeed? Over 270 founders joined the discussion and we ran a survey to understand their choices. Huge thanks to Pranay Desai for his clarity of thought and candour! 🙏 If you're a founder building in SaaS, don't miss this valuable session recording - link in the 1st comment Stay tuned over the next week as we share key findings from our founder survey and takeaways from this session for founders building in SaaS/Gen AI spaces. Exciting updates ahead! 🚀💥 with Neha Reddy Ishavasyam Dash Nitin Sharma Rajiv Srivatsa

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